Movies, movies, movies

I hadn't been to the movies in over a month before Thanksgiving day. That's highly unusual for me. But this has been a crappy year for movies, and there just hasn't been anything I've wanted to pay money to see. However, we've made it to the holiday season and things I want to see are finally starting to come out. So, in typical overdone fashion, I've seen three movies over the last three days.

The Road

First up, The Road. All I can say is don't see this. It was a waste of my money. If ever there's been a movie to label pretentious, this is it. I don't even know what this movie was trying to say. All I got out of it was a story and characters I cared nothing about. The pacing was horrendous. Definitely one of the slower movies I've ever seen.

Pros: Excellent performances from the two main stars and beautiful cinematography. Cons: Everything else. Bottom line: Avoid it like the

plague.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Next up, New Moon. I was pleasantly surprised by the latest installment of The Twilight Saga. I definitely think this one was a step or two up production wise from the first film. That being said, this is again only a movie that fans of the book will appreciate. I disagree with many of the negative reviews that complained about it lacking the chemistry of the original and being too dark and depressing. They obviously didn't read the books and fail to understand that that's exactly what New Moon is. It's a transition book that we must slog through to get to the good stuff. I'm also sick of those feminist manifestos saying it sends a crappy message to teenage girls about pining away for the perfect man. Blah, blah, blah. To them, I simply say, "lighten up!" or better yet, "SHUT UP!"

Pros: Better production value, faithful to the story, and alright, I'm going to say it...the werewolves and their uniform. Cons: I wish they would've spent a little more time developing Bella and Jacob's relationship. Despite the length, I feel they still managed to gloss over this too quickly. And the dialogue is so amazingly cheesy. It's the main reason I don't think outsiders will enjoy this film too much. Bottom line: If you're a Twilight fan, see this in the theater. If you're not, then you'll likely want to skip it. If you're just curious, wait and add it to your Netflix queue.

The Blind Side

Lastly, The Blind Side. This was hands down the best movie I've seen so far this year (or at least that I remember seeing). Even though I already knew the story from the endless profiles they did of Michael Oher during SEC games, I was still so inspired by the family that took him in and by Michael himself. Talk about Christians walking the walk. I hope more of us can strive to live our lives showing the kind of selfless love the Tuohy's did. The only negative reviews I read about the film complained that it was a typical white washing of a story. I take issue with that, it's a true story. Yes, he was a black kid, and yes, they were a white family. But that's exactly how it happened! This stuff wasn't made up. And my guess? Those reviewers are probably all sitting on their butts in their comfy houses not doing a dang thing for the underprivileged. So, to them, I also give a big fat "SHUT UP!" One last thing. I loved, loved, loved the visits by all of the SEC coaches - none of whom still coach at their represented schools. Houston Nutt even uttered one of my favorite lines, which I won't divulge. Let's just say it involves a cup, so be on the lookout for that little inside joke.

Pros: Great story, well executed, and a great turn by Sandra Bullock. That girl really can act, and it's about time people start recognizing that (see Crash for another prime example). Cons: None. Bottom line: What are you waiting for? Go see it!